Small Magpie Moth Eurrhypara spp.

The moth members of this Order of insects include a large number of diverse families. Moth groups include micro moths, leaf miners, clothes moths, plume moths, ermine moths, burnets, geometrids, silk moths, sphinx moths, tiger moths, wasp moths, noctuids, underwings and many others.

Resembling the geometrid Magpie Moth, the larvae of this moth eats nettles. Moth cocoons have been utilized as charms by various indigenous groups. In California, the Wailaki Tribe made symbolic objects designed to focus the eye of God on the owner, ensuring health and success. these objects, called “God’s Eye” included charms made from cocoons. The Pomo Tribe Indians used cocoons as gambling charms. The Konkow Maidu Tribe had an offering flag pendant sting made from cocoons they called yokoli. In central Brazil, the Shavante Tribe had an extremely sacred ceremonial whistle decorated with a large black silk cocoon.